Kraków – the legends and the ghosts

Krakow—a city of both legends and ghosts

While preparing your trip to Poland and think where to go, it is worth to take Krakow into consideration. It draws attention with its history. Once a capital of the country, with a long history of myths and legends, during the 20th century became a neighbour of mass murder.

The Legend of the Dragon

First, the amusing myth told most often, is the one about the shoemaker and the dragon. The monster was living near the beautiful city, bringing havoc to it by murdering the people and their cattle. The terror went on and on until a certain shoemaker wanted to bring an end to it. Being highly clever and intelligent, he came out with a trick to fool the monster. He filled one of his most beautiful sheep with sulphur and tar. The dragon fell for the trap and immediately gobbled up the bait. Previously splitting the fire, the dragon was suffering from a great thirst and, in order to slake it, he drank so much water from the river that his body cracked open. Throughout many years the myth became a symbol of the city and you can still visit see the dragon’s statue that is displayed at the foot of the famous Wawel castle.

Passing to the castle, Wawel is the name of the hill, where the castle is situated. Apart from it, there is also a Cathedral, also having its origin in renaissance. From the top of the hill there is a great view of the river Wisla and the old town. If you want to catch a breath and observe the pulsating life of the city it is great to start the tour with the old town and it’s monuments, including St. Mary’s Church.

The Old Town—back to the past

As in many cities, the Old Town is the heart of it. Surrounded by many relics and antiquities, such as the monument of Adam Mickiewicz, the Town Hall, the Cloth Hall. St. Mary’s Church is in the centre of the main square. It is a Gothic church, hence it recommended for those, who are mostly interested in that kind of buildings. There is also St. Adalbert’s Church.

The Darker Past

When speaking about Krakow, there is also another place worth mentioning and visiting—Auschwitz. It is a place filled with memories of terror, which the main reason why it is supposed to be seen over and over again—just to be a reminder of human capabilities. It is a warning worth retelling. To visit the museum is always an educational journey through the past and a lesson for your whole life. Although there is a little distance between Auschwitz and Krakow, there are many possibilities and ways to get there, for example, bus and private transports auschwitz from krakow.